When one door closes, another opens. It will come as no shock to you to hear the UK Hospitality industry is facing one of the toughest operating environments EVER. It’s currently harder to survive and keep the doors of a business open than through COVID, which is really saying something. So, with all of this talk of difficulty and strife, it is music to our ears when we learn of a new opening hitting our high streets in Cheshire and Manchester. Here are a few of those doors that have recently opened near you.
Pip Restaurant, Treehouse Hotels
Treehouse Hotels recently announced the name and concept of its first destination restaurant, and we were lucky enough to experience it first-hand.
The award-winning Treehouse Hotel will plant the roots of its second location on Blackfriars Street in Manchester, which will open towards the end of summer 2024; they are (at time of writing) not committing to a specific date, which is very sensible.
As if designed through the lens of a carefree childhood, the hotel captures a playful blend of tasteful maximalism and chic, cosy design. Think British Hygge: plush blankets and hidden nooks. Curl up with a book or make your way to Pip, the hotel's restaurant, headed up by one of Manchester’s most celebrated chefs, Mary-Ellen McTague.
At the restaurant's unveiling, we were given a chance to fully immerse ourselves in life in the Pip kitchen. The event was hosted at Plattfields Market Garden, one of Pip's biggest suppliers. Mary-Ellen takes an innovative and conscientious approach to cooking, crafting new flavours from unconventional ingredients. The menus reflect her talent and creativity, complementing a thoughtfully curated wine and drinks list.
We can’t WAIT for the opening of this one! See you all there!
treehousehotels.com/manchester
Tender Restaurant, Stock Exchange Hotel
This summer Manchester’s 5-star Stock Exchange Hotel will open the doors of a new luxury dining experience, Tender, headed up by new chef-in-residence, two-time Michelin star winner Niall Keating. Named after the tender care put into crafting each dish and with a nod to the heritage of the hotel, Tender will offer gourmet food for everyday dining within the opulent and historic dining room of the Stock Exchange Hotel.
Niall, and Stock Exchange Hotel co-owner Gary Neville, wanted to create a dining space that was the heartbeat of the hotel, had a family feel, and was accessible to everyone in Manchester's community… not just the elite and affluent. In Niall's own words, ‘We have to provide FOR Manchester, not the other way around. We’re here to cook for and celebrate the people of Manchester. ‘
So go on, treat yourself this weekend and get your table booked!
stockexchangehotel.co.uk/tender
Flat Iron, Deansgate.
Coming to a chopping block near you; Flat Iron!
If you haven’t already heard of Flat Iron, chances are you haven’t spotted one of their 13 locations in London. Flat Iron are known for serving incredible steaks at affordable prices.
Located in the heart of the city centre, the two-floor restaurant is housed in the Grade II Listed ex-Royal London Friendly Society. The restaurant’s concise menu is led by the signature Flat Iron steak, priced at £14. They tell us they’ll also have a rotating board of specials, including a Wagyu steak of the day and a Scottish ribeye, exclusive to Manchester. Not sure about you, but I suddenly have a craving for a Flat Iron or two.
Browns, Wilmslow
The iconic brasserie, Browns, has recently opened in Wilmslow. You can find it in the old Miller & Carter building; a beautiful Grade II listed 18th Century building opposite Wilmslow Train Station.
Having recently undergone a complete renovation, the team have paid homage to the building’s illustrious history while introducing a fresh, modern style, with luxe Art Deco aesthetics, opulent textures, and sophisticated finishes.
We visited on a Wednesday evening and it was already wall-to-wall full. It’s clear to see they’re getting a very warm Wilmslow welcome already, so pop along and help them settle in too!
browns-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/northwest/wilmslow
Find more of the best of local food and drink at lostincheshire.co.uk and on Instagram @lostincheshire
